Food packaging closure with an oxygen scrubbing function

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a system comprises a container and an oxygen sorbing closure operable to close an opening of the container. The closure comprises an oxygen sorption layer, an oxygen permeable layer, and a removable oxygen impermeable layer. When the oxygen impermeable layer is removed, the oxygen sorbing closure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/286,158 entitled “Food Packaging Closure with an Oxygen ScrubbingFunction,” filed Dec. 14, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention relates in general to food packaging, and moreparticularly, to a food packaging closure with an oxygen scrubbingfunction.

BACKGROUND

Oxidation of food components is a significant limiting factor for theshelf-life of many foods and beverages. The current state of processingtechnology includes: 1) eliminating oxygen from food products bydegassing prior to packaging and bottling, 2) filling the package orbottle to full capacity to limit “headspace,” 3) gas flushing theremaining headspace with non-oxygen gas, and/or 4) utilizing oxygenimpermeable packages or bottles. However, once the consumer opens thepackage or bottle in the home and removes some of the product, air isintroduced into the product via the headspace created by productremoval, thereby limiting the effectiveness of these solutions after thepackaging or bottle has been opened.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, the disadvantages andproblems associated with oxidation in food products have beensubstantially reduced or eliminated.

According to one embodiment, a system comprises a container and anoxygen sorbing closure operable to close an opening of the container.The closure comprises an oxygen sorption layer, an oxygen permeablelayer, and a removable oxygen impermeable layer. When the oxygenimpermeable layer is removed, the oxygen sorbing closure is operable tosorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container.

According to one embodiment, a container comprises an oxygen sorbingportion located on an interior surface of the container. The oxygensorbing portion comprises an oxygen sorption layer, an oxygen permeablelayer, and a removable oxygen impermeable layer. When the oxygenimpermeable layer is removed, the oxygen sorbing portion is operable tosorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises forming an oxygensorption layer on an inside surface of a closure of a container, formingan oxygen permeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer, and forming anoxygen impermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygenpermeable layer. When the oxygen impermeable layer is removed, theclosure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of thecontainer.

Technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosureinclude inhibiting or preventing oxidation of a product after packaginghas been opened. In general, oxidation may occur when a product contactsambient oxygen molecules in the headspace of an opened productcontainer. Oxygen molecules may react with the product and causeundesirable tastes, aromas, and/or coloration. By sorbing the oxygenmolecules in the headspace, embodiments of the present disclosure mayremove at least some of the oxygen that would otherwise react with theproduct. As a result, freshness of the product is maintained.Additionally, in particular embodiments, a consumer using the producthas an option of removing or not removing an oxygen impermeable layer.Thus, a consumer may decide when to activate oxygen sorbing propertiesof embodiments of the present disclosure. As a result, the presentdisclosure provides numerous technical advantages.

Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures,descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have beenenumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none ofthe enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, including acontainer and an oxygen sorbing closure;

FIG. 2 illustrates components of a particular embodiment of the oxygensorbing closure of FIG. 1 in more detail, including a screw-cap, asnap-lid, an oxygen impermeable layer, an oxygen permeable layer, and anoxygen sorption layer;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, including acontainer and an oxygen sorbing portion; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing the oxygensorbing system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of storage system 10. System10 may include a container 20, an oxygen sorbing closure 30, and a foodproduct 35. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 sorbsoxygen that enters the space between an opening of a bottle or packageand a product within, thus prolonging the shelf-life or useful life of aproduct contained within container 20. Although the followingdescription illustrates particular embodiments of system 10 whichreduces or eliminates oxidation of a consumable food product 35, otherembodiments of system may reduce or eliminate oxidation ofnon-consumable products, such as, for example, paints, polishes, waxes,dyes, enamels, and/or any other product or substance that may oxidizewhen exposed to oxygen.

Container 20 represents any appropriate container suitable to hold,store, carry, transport, and/or otherwise hold food product 35. Inparticular embodiments, container 20 represents a glass or othernon-reactive material suitable to hold a liquid food product 35. Forexample, container 20 may represent a glass bottle operable to holdmilk, juice, or alcoholic beverages. In particular embodiments,container 20 may represent a paper or cardboard carton operable to holda liquid food product 35, such as milk, juice, and/or alcoholicbeverages. Additionally, container 20 may include one or more threads,snaps, and/or other appropriate closing mechanisms seal and re-seal foodproduct 35 within container 20.

Oxygen sorbing closure 30 seals and reseals food product 35 withincontainer 20 and, once activated, operates to sorb oxygen within aheadspace in container 20. For purposes of this description, “headspace”may refer to space between food product 35 in container 20 and anopening of container 20. As food product 35 is dispensed or removed fromcontainer 20, a headspace within container 20 may increase and fill withair. Oxygen may react with, or “oxidize,” food product 35 containedwithin container 20. Over time, oxidation may cause undesirable tastes,aromas, and/or coloration in food product 35. In particular embodiments,oxygen sorbing closure 30 may prevent undesirable oxidation of foodproduct 35 after container 20 is opened. As discussed further below,oxygen sorbing closure 30 may include an oxygen impermeable layer thatis removable by a consumer. Removing the oxygen impermeable layer mayexpose an oxygen sorption layer to oxygen in a headspace of container20. The oxygen sorption layer may react with and/or sorb oxygenmolecules, thus removing oxygen molecules from a headspace in container20. Additionally, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may represent a cap,stopper, screw-top, spigot, valve, and/or any other appropriate type ofre-sealable closure suitable to provide the described functionality.

Food product 35 represents any edible food or beverage that may oxidizein the presence of oxygen. Food product 35 may be carried, transported,and/or otherwise held in container 20. In particular embodiments, foodproduct 35 represents a dairy product, such as, for example whole milk,2% fat content milk, 1% fat content milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottagecheese, etc. In particular embodiments, food product 35 represents analcoholic beverage, such as, for example, wine, beer, and/or spirits. Insome embodiments, food product 35 may represent a fruit juice, such as,for example, orange juice, apple juice, and/or grapefruit juice. Ingeneral, however, food product 35 may represent any consumable item thatmay oxidize when exposed to oxygen molecules.

FIG. 2 illustrates in greater detail the contents and operation of aparticular embodiment of oxygen sorbing closure 30 shown in FIG. 1. Asshown in FIGURE, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may include oxygenimpermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and oxygen sorptionlayer 44. Oxygen sorbing closure 30 is operable, when activated, toreduce oxidation of food product 35 in container 20. As shown in FIG. 2,in particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may includescrew-cap 32, and snap-lid 34, which provide structure and shape tooxygen sorbing closure 30. In particular embodiments, screw-cap 32removably couples to container 20. For example, screw-cap 32 may includethreads which enable oxygen sorbing closure 30 to be screwed on to anopening of container 20. Additionally, snap-lid 34 may removably coveran opening in oxygen sorbing closure 30 when oxygen sorbing closure 30is coupled to container 20. Snap-lid 34 may be opened by a user ofcontainer 20 to dispense food product 35 contained in container 20.After dispensing food product 35, snap-lid 34 may be returned to aclosing position over an opening. Thus, screw-cap 32 and snap-lid 34 maycooperate to couple to container 20, and may seal and re-seal thecontents of container 20. In general, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may haveany appropriate shape or structure suitable to couple to container 20,and re-sealably close food product 35 within container 20. Additionally,oxygen sorbing closure 30 may be formed within or as an integral part ofcontainer 20.

Oxygen impermeable layer 40 represents any layer of material thatprevents oxygen from contacting, reacting, or interacting with one ormore other portions of oxygen sorbing closure 30, including, but notlimited to, oxygen permeable layer 42 and oxygen sorption layer 44. Insome embodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be formed frompolyethylene and/or Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH). In general, however,oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be formed from any appropriate materialsuitable to form an impermeable layer between other components of oxygensorbing closure 30 and a headspace and/or food product 35 of container20. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be a generally flat, disk shapedmaterial that fits within snap-lid 34 or other suitable portion ofoxygen sorbing closure 30. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may include atleast one side on which an adhesive is applied. An adhesive may enableoxygen impermeable layer 40 to removably couple to oxygen permeablelayer 40 and/or oxygen sorbing closure 30. Oxygen impermeable layer 40may be removed by a user to activate oxygen sorbing properties of oxygensorbing closure 30. For example, in particular embodiments, a user mayopen snap-lid 34, thus enabling the user to access oxygen impermeablelayer 40. The user may then peel off, or otherwise remove, oxygenimpermeable layer 40. Removing oxygen impermeable layer 40 may exposeoxygen permeable layer 42, which may, in particular embodiments, beadjacent and removably coupled to oxygen impermeable layer 40. Ingeneral, however, oxygen impermeable layer 40 comprises any appropriatematerial arranged or shaped in any appropriate manner in oxygen sorbingclosure 30 and suitable to perform the described functions.

Oxygen permeable layer 42 represents any layer of material that allowsoxygen to pass through oxygen permeable layer 42. Oxygen permeable layer42 may be formed from cotton, wool, linen, silk and/or any other oxygenpermeable material, or any blend of oxygen permeable materials. Ingeneral, however, oxygen permeable layer 42 may be formed from anyappropriate material, including natural materials, synthetic materials,and/or natural-synthetic blended materials. Oxygen permeable layer 42may secure oxygen sorption layer 44 in oxygen sorbing closure 30 whileallowing oxygen molecules to pass through the material of oxygenpermeable layer 42. In particular embodiments, oxygen permeable layer 42may be a generally flat, disk shaped layer of material that fits withinsnap-lid 34 or other suitable portion of oxygen sorbing closure 30.Additionally, oxygen permeable layer 42 may include at least one side onwhich an adhesive is applied. An adhesive may enable oxygen permeablelayer 42 to couple to oxygen sorption layer 44.

Oxygen sorption layer 44 is coupled to oxygen sorbing closure 30 andreacts with ambient oxygen molecules present in a headspace of container20. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprisemolecules or compounds that may react with and/or bond to oxygenmolecules in air. For example, oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprise, inwhole or in part, iron oxide, which is reactive with oxygen. Moleculeswithin oxygen sorption layer 44 react with and/or bond to oxygenmolecules in a headspace in container 20. Oxygen sorption layer 44 maythus operate to pull oxygen molecules through oxygen permeable layer 42out of the headspace or product in container 20. By sorbing oxygenmolecules, oxygen sorption layer 44 prevents the sorbed oxygen moleculesfrom reacting with food product 35 in container 20. In this manner, atleast some of the oxygen molecules present in the headspace of container20 are removed. As a result, oxidation of food product 35 may be atleast partially prevented or inhibited.

In particular embodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen permeablelayer 42, and/or oxygen sorption layer 44 may each be formed with anyappropriate shape and dimensions suitable to provide the describedfunctionality. Additionally, oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygenpermeable layer 42, and/or oxygen sorption layer 44 may each be coupledto oxygen sorbing closure 30 through any chemical bonding, mechanical,and/or physical method or manner of attachment. Additionally, oxygenimpermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and/or oxygen sorptionlayer 44 may be individually or collectively molded and/or bonded withoxygen sorbing closure 30 during the manufacture of oxygen sorbingclosure 30.

In operation, in particular embodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40 maybe positioned over oxygen permeable layer 42 in oxygen sorbing closure30 when container 20 is initially sold to a customer, thereby preventingoxygen in a headspace from contacting oxygen permeable layer 42. Oxygenimpermeable layer 40 may be removed by a the customer to enableoxygen-sorbing qualities of oxygen sorbing closure 30. In particularembodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may be manufactured or assembledsuch that oxygen sorption layer 44 is partially or completelyhermetically sealed from oxygen molecules in the air by oxygenimpermeable layer 40. For example, oxygen sorption layer 44 may beapplied to an inside surface of oxygen sorbing closure 30. Oxygenpermeable layer 42 may then be applied to oxygen sorption layer 44.Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may then be applied over oxygen permeablelayer 42.

Additionally, in particular embodiments, there may be a limit to theamount of oxygen sorption layer 44 is capable of sorbing. Sealing oxygensorption layer 44 during manufacture and/or assembly with oxygenimpermeable layer 40 may prevent oxygen sorption layer 44 from sorbingoxygen during manufacture, transit, and/or storage, thus preserving theoxygen sorbing qualities of oxygen sorption layer 44. Once container 20is opened and/or after some food product is dispensed, oxygenimpermeable layer 40 may be removed. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may beattached to oxygen permeable layer 42 firmly enough to preventaccidental removal during transport and/or storage, yet still allow foreasy removal by a user. After removal of oxygen impermeable layer 40,oxygen sorbing closure 30 may be resealed over container 20. Oxygensorption layer 44 may then begin reacting with oxygen molecules in theair as ambient oxygen molecules begin passing through oxygen permeablelayer 42. As a result, oxygen sorption layer 44 may pull or removeoxygen molecules from a headspace in container 20. Removing oxygenmolecules from a headspace may at least partially prevent or retardoxidation of food product 35 in container 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of the storage systemillustrated in FIG. 1. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 (referred tohere as “storage system 310”) includes a container 320, an oxygensorbing portion 332, and a food product 35. In the illustratedembodiment, an oxygen sorbing portion 332 is located in container 320and/or on an interior surface of container 320 and, when activated, maysorb oxygen molecules in a headspace of container 320.

Like container 20 described above with respect to FIG. 1, container 320represents any appropriate container suitable to hold food product 35(such as a glass bottle or cardboard carton for milk, juice, oralcoholic beverages). Additionally, container 320 includes an oxygensorbing portion 332 formed in the body of container 320, adhesivelyattached to a surface of container 320, or otherwise integrated with orattached to container 320. Oxygen sorbing portion 332 includes oxygenimpermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and oxygen sorptionlayer 44 that are similar to the like-numbered elements of FIG. 1. Inparticular embodiments, oxygen sorbing portion 332 may additionallyinclude a container for holding oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygenpermeable layer 42, and oxygen sorption layer 44.

In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing portion 332 is positionedwithin container 320 so that, when activated, oxygen sorbing portion 332sorbs oxygen within a headspace in container 320. As shown in FIG. 3,oxygen sorbing portion 332 may be coupled to an upper portion ofcontainer 320. In general, however, oxygen sorbing portion 332 may bepositioned in or coupled to any portion of container 320 that enablesoxygen sorbing portion 332 to sorb oxygen molecules in a headspace incontainer 320. As a result, storage system 310 may also inhibitoxidation of food product 35 or other substances stored within container320.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacture for makingan oxygen sorbing system 10. Operation, in the illustrated example,begins at step 400 a container being formed, wherein the containercomprises an opening. As discussed above, container 20 may represent anycontainer made of a non-reactive material suitable to hold or dispenseliquid food products. For example, container 20 may represent a glassbottle operable to hold or dispense milk, juice, or alcoholic beverages.Container 20 may also represent a paper or cardboard carton operable tohold or dispense a liquid food product, such as milk, juice, and/oralcoholic beverages. Container 20 may also include one or moredispensing openings through which food product 35 is removed ordispensed from container 20. Additionally, container 20 may include oneor more threads, snaps, and/or other appropriate closing mechanisms thatcooperate with oxygen sorbing closure 30 to seal an opening and/or sealand re-seal food products within container 20.

At step 402, a food product is deposited in the container. As discussedabove, food product 35 may represent any edible food or beverage thatmay oxidize in the presence of oxygen. Food product 35 may be depositedin container 20 in order to carry, transport, and/or otherwise hold foodproduct 35 in container 20. In particular embodiments, food product 35represents a dairy product, such as, for example whole milk, 2% fatcontent milk, 1% fat content milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese,etc. In particular embodiments, food product 35 represents an alcoholicbeverage, such as, for example, wine, beer, and/or spirits. In someembodiments, food product 35 may represent a fruit juice, such as, forexample, orange juice, apple juice, and/or grapefruit juice.

At step 404, an oxygen sorption layer may be formed on the closure. Asdiscussed above, oxygen sorption layer 44 may be operable to couple tooxygen sorbing closure 30 and may react with ambient oxygen moleculespresent in a headspace of container 20. In particular embodiments,oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprise molecules or compounds that mayreact with and/or bond to ambient oxygen molecules in air. For example,oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprise, in whole or in part, iron oxide,which is reactive with oxygen. As a result, molecules or compoundswithin oxygen sorption layer 44 react with and/or bond to oxygenmolecules in a headspace in container 20. Oxygen sorption layer 44 maythus operate to pull oxygen molecules through oxygen permeable layer 42out of the headspace or product in container 20. By sorbing at leastsome oxygen molecules, oxygen sorption layer 44 prevents the sorbedoxygen molecules from reacting with food product 35 in container 20. Inthis manner, at least some of the oxygen molecules present in theheadspace of container 20 are removed. As a result, oxidation of foodproduct 35 may be at least partially prevented or retarded.

At step 406, an oxygen permeable layer may be formed over the oxygensorption layer on the closure. As discussed above, oxygen permeablelayer 42 represents any layer of material that allows oxygen to contact,react, or interact with oxygen sorption layer 44 through oxygenpermeable layer 42. Oxygen permeable layer 42 may retain oxygen sorptionlayer 44 within oxygen sorbing closure 30 while allowing oxygenmolecules to pass through the material of oxygen permeable layer 42. Inparticular embodiments, oxygen permeable layer 42 may be a generallyflat, disk shaped layer of material that fits within snap-lid 34 orother suitable portion of oxygen sorbing closure 30. Additionally,oxygen permeable layer 42 may include at least one side on which anadherent is applied. An adherent may enable oxygen permeable layer 42 tocouple to oxygen sorption module 44, thereby coupling to oxygen sorbingclosure 30. Additionally, by coupling to oxygen sorption layer 44,oxygen permeable layer 42 may retain oxygen sorption layer 44 withinoxygen sorption closure 30.

At step 408, an oxygen impermeable layer may be formed over the oxygensorption layer and the oxygen permeable layer on the closure. Oxygenimpermeable layer 40 may represent any layer of material operable tohermetically seal oxygen sorption layer 44 from surrounding ambientoxygen. For example, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may prevent oxygen fromcontacting, reacting, or interacting with one or more other portions ofoxygen sorbing closure 30, including, but not limited to, oxygenpermeable layer 42 and oxygen sorption layer 44. In particularembodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be a generally flat, diskshaped material that fits within snap-lid 34 or other suitable portionof oxygen sorbing closure 30. Additionally, oxygen impermeable layer 40may include at least one side on which an adherent is applied. Anadherent may enable oxygen impermeable layer 40 to removably couple tooxygen permeable layer 40. Moreover, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may beremoved by a user to activate oxygen sorbing properties of oxygensorbing closure 30. In general, however, oxygen impermeable layer 40comprises any appropriate material arranged in any appropriate manner inoxygen sorbing closure 30 suitable to perform the described functions.

At step 410 the opening is covered by coupling the closure to thecontainer. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 mayinclude one or more snaps, brackets, threads, twist-lock mechanismsand/or any other appropriate closing mechanism suitable to cooperatewith corresponding components of container 20 to contain or seal in foodproduct 35 in container 20. Once closed, oxygen sorbing closure 30 maybe permanently sealed or coupled to container 20, or may be removable bya user, depending on the type of food product contained in container 20,the type of container 20 used, and/or any other factors, variables,and/or characteristics of oxygen sorbing system 10.

The steps illustrated in FIG. 4 may be combined, modified, or deletedwhere appropriate, and additional steps may also be added to thoseshown. Additionally, the steps may be performed in any suitable orderwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure has been described with severalembodiments, numerous changes, variations, alterations, transformations,and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it isintended that the present disclosure encompass such changes, variations,alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A system, comprising: a container comprising an opening; and anoxygen sorbing closure comprising: an oxygen sorption layer; an oxygenpermeable layer; and a removable oxygen impermeable layer; wherein theoxygen sorbing closure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from aheadspace of the container after the oxygen impermeable layer isremoved.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorbing closureremovably couples to the container to selectively open and close thecontainer.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the oxygensorption layer positioned proximate to an inside surface of the oxygensorbing closure; the oxygen permeable layer positioned proximate to theoxygen sorption layer; and the oxygen impermeable layer positionedproximate to the oxygen permeable layer such that the oxygen permeablelayer is positioned between the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygenimpermeable layer.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorptionlayer comprises a molecule or a compound operable to bond with theoxygen molecules.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorptionlayer comprises iron oxide.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygenpermeable layer comprises cotton, wool, linen, or silk.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the oxygen impermeable layer comprises polyethylene orethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein theoxygen sorbing closure further comprises: a first portion operable tocouple the oxygen sorbing closure to the container and a second portionoperable to selectively open and close the container, the second portioncomprising an inside surface on which the oxygen sorption layer isformed.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorbing closurefurther comprises: a screw cap portion operable to couple the oxygensorbing closure to the container and a snap-lid portion operable toselectively open and close the container, the snap-lid portioncomprising an inside surface on which the oxygen sorption layer isformed.
 10. A container, comprising: an oxygen sorbing portion locatedon an interior surface of the container, wherein the oxygen sorbingportion comprises: an oxygen sorption layer; an oxygen permeable layer;and a removable oxygen impermeable layer; wherein the oxygen sorbingportion is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of thecontainer after the oxygen impermeable layer is removed.
 11. Thecontainer of claim 10, wherein the oxygen sorbing portion is coupled toan upper portion of the container.
 12. The container of claim 10,further comprising: the oxygen sorption layer positioned proximate tothe interior surface of the container; the oxygen permeable layerpositioned proximate to the oxygen sorption layer; and the oxygenimpermeable layer positioned to prevent oxygen from contacting,reacting, or interacting with the oxygen sorption layer prior to removalof the oxygen impermeable layer.
 13. The container of claim 10, whereinthe oxygen sorption layer comprises a molecule or a compound operable tobond with the oxygen molecules.
 14. The container of claim 10, whereinthe oxygen sorption layer comprises iron oxide and the oxygen permeablelayer comprises cotton, wool, linen, or silk.
 15. The container of claim10, wherein the oxygen impermeable layer comprises polyethylene orethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).
 16. A method, comprising: forming anoxygen sorption layer on an inside surface of a closure, the closureoperable to selectively open and close a container; forming an oxygenpermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer; and forming an oxygenimpermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygenpermeable layer; wherein the closure is operable to sorb oxygenmolecules from a headspace of the container after the oxygen impermeablelayer is removed.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the closurecomprises: a first portion operable to couple the closure to thecontainer; and a second portion operable to selectively open and closethe container, the second portion comprising the inside surface on whichthe oxygen sorption layer is formed.
 18. The method of claim 16, whereinforming an oxygen impermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer andthe oxygen permeable layer further comprises: selecting an adherent tofacilitate removal of the oxygen impermeable layer by a consumer; andcoupling the oxygen impermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layerusing the adherent.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein forming anoxygen permeable layer further comprises: selecting a material thatallows the oxygen molecules to pass to the oxygen sorption layer andretains the oxygen sorption layer within the closure; and forming theoxygen permeable layer in a flat, disk shape.
 20. The method of claim16, further comprising filling the container with a food product by:degassing the container; filling the container to full capacity; gasflushing the headspace with non-oxygen gas; sealing the container withan oxygen impermeable seal; and coupling the closure to the sealedcontainer prior to removing the oxygen impermeable layer.